MAXAMET VS K390

[@JustStartingOut-nt8ve]

The problem of chipping or damaging the tip is that the deepest part of the chip or the damage has to become the tip top of the new edge. Therefore, so much material needs to be removed from the blade. It's like after someone/something dug a hole in your back yard, you try to level the ground by removing a whole lot of dirt from the entire backyard, so that the entire backyard is level with the bottom of the hole.

[@Hungrybird474]

Correct . I start at a higher angle first , around 21 degrees to get the chip out first then lower to 17 degrees

[@richardvirchow3390]

I saw a video the other day with Dr.Larrin Thomas ( inventor of Magnacut ) : “EDGE GEOMETRY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN STEEL AND MORE IMPORTANT THAN HEAT TREATING.” That threw me a curve ball; knives are getting more intriguing the deeper I get into this hobby…!!

[@ericasedc]

It’s more science than it seems!🎉

[@knickly]

You should check out his discussion of CATRA score prediction! You can see the contribution of edge angle and everything else 🙂 Also Cliff Stamp (RIP) had some videos around the concept of "how much do you have to lay back your bevels on VG10 to match the performance of S30V?" and I think that's a cool concept, especially once you start comparing edge stability between steel-angle pairings.

[@jtallday31]

More important is true but not the absolute. Obviously if I give you two knives with identical grinds one in maxamet and one in 1095, you're going to lose the ability to cut on the lesser steel sooner

[@kr0ndar]

Sorry Erica, but can't agree with you. They are both for advanced user! Average user will be pissed off with patina and rust very fast and will prefer a s30v/s45v or even cheap 8cr13mov. I love my k390 seki Spytdecos, but they are not something I would recommend to an average user :) Apart from that - cool comparison! :)

[@BlueWingedRino]

I prefer K390. Maxamet is great but the price to performance ratio goes to K390. I don’t mind sharpening so I do carry a lot of low carbide steels but I usually always have 2 knives on me and K390 and Rex45 are what gets most carry time when it comes to high end steels.

[@ericasedc]

🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@gillian32]

After you switch to diamond stones, you never go back to whet stones. 😉

[@ericasedc]

Diamonds are a girls best friend. Aside from dogs! And moms.

[@desertratedc9596]

I use both personally but I do use my diamond more often. My stones I have better time reprofiling old traditionals on.

[@DuhYaThink]

K390 is a great steel. Around 9% vanadium. Maxamet has high tungsten. From what I’ve read k390 is ran around 65 hrc, and maxamet up too 69+. I’m no expert but an enthusiast and user. Great video E ✌🏼

[@ericasedc]

Thanks pal!

[@j.l.327]

By the way, it's not my moms basement, it's my dojo, but keep it on the downlow

[@ericasedc]

Crud😂

[@billyspahr808]

Both are really fun to rip up carpet with !

[@ericasedc]

Word!

[@pauljosephbuggle3722]

My daughter chipped the hell out of my Mannix 2 in S110v steel opening her tin piggbank. I reprofiled and resharpened it on a Spyderco ceramic rod system without the diamond rods. The information I had said it couldn't be done, but I did it perfectly well. The ceramic rods survived no problem. Patience is a virtue. That being said I now have diamond stones and it is far easier.

[@ericasedc]

Yes. WAY faster!

[@joelhunter984]

Knocked it out of the ball park young lady! Great video. You are an oracle for your age!!! Bravo

[@ericasedc]

Awh thanks!❤

[@o.k.corral]

THANK YOU Erika for this excellent video where you explain everything beautifully... as always ! 🤗💚

[@ericasedc]

You’re a love!!!!❤

[@silvia2408]

Finally, someone did this comparison. Two of my favorite steels. Thanks Erica. 🤜🔪🤛

[@ericasedc]

Anytime! ❤

[@robthompson8285]

Excellent video! Thanks, Erica😊

[@ericasedc]

Thanks for watching and commenting Rob!

[@theprestriedge4657]

Great review Erica….I always think about the worst case scenario I want something I can sharpen on a rock if I have to….Blessings.

[@ericasedc]

I hear you!!!

[@marksharin6849]

Erica 101, thanks for schooling us. I learned a lot in about 14 minutes. Thank you kindly for passing on your knowledge. Easy to pick up and learn from you. I think both steals are awesome in their own way. Can't wait for your next video. As Van Halen said... Hot for teacher! Have a wonderful evening.

[@ericasedc]

Hey Mark! All my love to you!!!!❤

[@addytuney2028]

Thanks Erica!

[@ericasedc]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@sharpfactory3705]

Maxamet and K390 are both amazing steels

[@ericasedc]

They sure are

[@EastCoastEDC]

Excellent video and explanation Erica! ❤

[@ericasedc]

I LOVE YOU❤

[@EastCoastEDC]

@@ericasedc ❤️ U 2!!

[@southpaw_knives]

I was surprised how easy it was to sharpen k390

[@ericasedc]

Nice!

[@slang-d-west]

Been waiting for this!

[@ericasedc]

I gotchyu!

[@DM-sq3jm]

I just ordered an Endura in k390. It'll be my first go with this steel. Almost bought a PM2 in maxamet. The main reason I chose k390 is that I've been curious about it for a longer amount of time. After watching this video, I'm REALLY glad I chose k390. I consider myself to be very knowledgeable about knives and sharpening and always looked to those older than me for guidance. I've realized that I also need to look to those younger than me for insights I would never have thought of. Your channel is what I was looking for. Thank you.

[@ericasedc]

Awh! Welcome!!!! Glad I could help!

[@DuhYaThink]

Maxamet is also stonewashed and k390 satin finished. Just my 2 cents 🍪🍪🍪

[@ericasedc]

It sure is!

[@scottbutler1561]

Great real-use comparison, thanks. FYI Bohler is an Austrian company.

[@staxx7753]

Such & awesome review about these 2 blade steels , love you bunches to erica

[@ericasedc]

I love you mostest!!!❤

[@TwistedFootEDC]

Very good information and well done. I just got my first K390 in a Stretch 2. Seems to be a pretty great steel. I also have Maxamet in a Native 5 LW and it is pretty great too. In my limited use though I am preferring 15V over both of these. I’d love to see a comparison video done with these 3 steels in the same platform like the PM2.

[@ericasedc]

That would be sick!

[@mikecurtis2585]

Nice great information! Always have a wonderful day!

[@ericasedc]

Hey Mike! Hope all is well with you and yours! ❤

[@beyproctor7673]

Great comparison. Thank you! I have a Para3 for n Maxamet which I love. I like sharpening it on a DMT stone although it doesn’t need very often. You are always making me want a K390 blade but I just haven’t found the right one when I can also afford a new knife! Another complication may be that I have been trying to find the ideal USA made Spyderco recently. I am trying out the UKPK in CTS BD1N currently. I wish I could try maybe a Native with backlock and interesting steel. Keep up the good work.

[@ericasedc]

Thanks a bunch my brother!

[@starflyt1150]

Good explanation of toughness.

[@ericasedc]

Thanks!

[@CopyNPasteComments]

This is about to be a slugfest

[@ericasedc]

Or a mom fest

[@gregorygoldbarth7464]

Just subscribed to your channel. Really enjoy your knife knowledge. Purchased a para3 maxamet two weeks ago and can't get over the edge retention. I did strop it recently, and I can't believe how it positively took to it. I wouldn't have believed that that intervention was all that was needed to keep it clean-edged! Thanks for what you do to keep me energized and updated on all these knives! P.S. I'm def not a knife collector nor as knowledgeable in regards to metallurgy, but do have some nice pieces... all Spydercos, few Victornox, and leathermans. Best regards! Gig

[@ericasedc]

Welcome aboard!!!!

[@gregorygoldbarth7464]

@@ericasedc oh wow, thank you!!!😉🔪🔪🔪🔪🙏🏻👍🏻

[@alandrake3635]

I heard violins when my Para 3 Maxamet arrived today. It’s a great knife and I’m looking forward to using it in that steel. Sharp as the factory edge is, I’m inclined to see if a .5 micron strop will improve it. Hearing your experience helps.

[@snowtiger44]

Love your sweater , i am using a little nameless clippoint mini blade at the moment from my multitool i have to sharpen it very often i think you could call it a gassstation mUltitool but it is really old and that is also part of the fun using it .

[@ericasedc]

I get it!!

[@nicoledodge7240]

This is a really nice comparison video! I feel like I would like k390!!!

[@ericasedc]

You would!!!

[@donc5220]

I really love spyderco... I wonder if the Patina diff could have to do with the machining aswell if maxamet is ground with a lower grit maybe. I picked up k390 off your reviews and love it so far. What angle you running them at?

[@ericasedc]

Factory!

[@Hungrybird474]

Good job Erica 😊👊

[@ericasedc]

Thanks a bunch!!!❤

[@LastChanceKnives]

I don't have any knives in Maxamet but I do have a Spyderco Stretch 2 in K390 and love the steel. It has great edge retention and a good level of toughness. In my use I don't like steels that are to low on toughness. Everybody uses a knife differently. For my use it's K390 and Cruwear. Also carbon steels in traditionals are good.

[@ericasedc]

Awesome input! ❤

[@davidkurle5418]

This was a great comparison! Personally, I usually favor toughness and ease of sharpening over super edge retention, but that's just me. Between these two, I'd be more apt to carry a knife with the K390. Cheers, and have a great night, E!

[@ericasedc]

Good thinking D!!!! Hope all is well!!!

[@bubbapeppers4354]

Well done and very thorough... would be curious how the two different steels WITH the same blade geometry would compare in use??? Keep it up...

[@ericasedc]

Thanks for watching ❤

[@Barney_Greenway]

You're shining 🤩

[@ericasedc]

Haha thanks!

[@Stans_Collectors_Universe]

I appreciate these videos. I am not familiar with these newer super steels. I still enjoy 440 and the older steels I grew up with, but I need to purchase a knife with a better steel to find out what all of the hype is about. Thanks for sharing. Live Long Prosper and Collect Your Own Way!

[@ericasedc]

Oooh I bet you would enjoy K390

[@Stans_Collectors_Universe]

I will have to find a knife with K390 and try it out. Thanks again for the knowledge that you share.@@ericasedc

[@ITatic-nf4wr]

Thanks for this rarely good explanation on KZbin. 🌞

[@ericasedc]

Thanks for watching!

[@ITatic-nf4wr]

@@ericasedc Was pleasure. Please, what do you think: Would the K390 steel be the perfect choice for my custom 25cm full tang hunting knife?

[@ericasedc]

@@ITatic-nf4wr that’s a choice only you can make. 💫

[@davegoodridge8352]

I'm getting old, I remember S30v being what everyone wanted, but couldn't afford.

[@ericasedc]

Right?!

[@JohnVentarino-ey5ln]

Can you please give me your advise for 4 DIAMOND STONES that would fit on a KME or Pro workshop angle sharpener for MAXAMAT STEEL PLEASE. THANK YOU. GREAT VIDEO.

[@mikep.9371]

The first video after 4 hours with now power in town. Really didn't notice your "spooky" glasses E. If one cannot decide on witch steel, get both!

[@ericasedc]

Always!!!❤ 😂 love you Mike!!!❤

[@gregkollaeg2365]

Böhler is a Austrian company. Its like to say canada is the same as the US.

[@ericasedc]

Thanks for watching!

[@cfltitan]

Excellent video. I have a stretch 2 in K390 and a Para 2 in Maxamet and love them both but my go to is the Para. A lot of my decision is honestly just the fact that I’m head over heel’s in love with the Para 2. I have one in Maxamet, a CruCarta and the Teal/S90V sprint run. A PM2 in 15V is my unicorn though. And as far as sharpening I’m spoiled I guess because I have an Edge Pro with diamond stones so pretty much any steel is fairly easy to sharpen.

[@ericasedc]

Oooh nice!!!

[@cfltitan]

@@ericasedc thank you. I’ve been slowly building my little Spyderco collection up. It’s nothing compared to a lot of peoples but it’s good for my budget I have to work with. I’m a huge fan of Spyderco too because they make incredible knives but also because they’re true knife guys and love to work with awesome steels that nobody else is using and they take the time and effort to get the heat treats right. I’ve seen so many tests where “other brands” will use a super high end steel and charge their super high end price and then do a garbage heat treat because they don’t care and they’re not truly knife people but just a greedy company trying to make max profits. Then you end up with stuff like Magnacut that performs about the same as S30V even though you paid Magnacut prices.

[@marzcapone9939]

There's a used Para 2 in 15V, at Arizona Custom Knives, has butterscotch g-10 scales, kinda pricey.

[@cfltitan]

@@marzcapone9939 yeah their prices are pretty insane. I keep an eye on blade forums. I’ve seen a few for a really decent price but I didn’t have the spare money when I saw them because I had just bought something else. I’ll get one eventually. Plus I actually really like the standard brown G10 the 15V ones came with.

[@marzcapone9939]

@@cfltitan I think it's $445 or so, and it comes with the original scales too.

[@Mpafanai46]

Bohler is an Austrian company and merge with Swedish company Uddeholm, now called Bohler- Uddeholm

[@jayramirez7827]

Hi there great vid! Thank you for taking your time to give us this information, I actually use my knife collection in really heavy duty cutting application's. Do you know by chance which steels chips as apposed to chip? Also how tough each steels you test are? Thanks again!

[@ericasedc]

Watch my videos under my Steel Talk playlist to find out!!! Cheers!

[@jjjoooojjj]

Hi Erica, I have been enjoying watching your videos for a while now.. Thank you..!! I got a question. What blade sharpening angle you prefer to put on Maxamet and why... Please let me know. Cheers..

[@Hungrybird474]

17 degrees is the ballpark area they come from the factory .

[@Wu_36]

Unrelated question to the vid. Who did you use to ceracoat your Bugout blade a few yrs back and how is it holding up?

[@ericasedc]

I don’t have that and haven’t in a long time❤

[@Wu_36]

@@ericasedc aww shucks… Thank you either way E. Stay sharp, yuck yuck yuck 😂

[@HanlonRazor]

K390 just hits the sweet spot for me for edge retention and toughness. I’ll take a little less edge retention to keep from having chips.

[@ericasedc]

I totally agree!

[@Scooby3150]

I like to learn from you so I want to be clear, when you get a new knife you are using the manufacturers edge first before sharpening yourself, correct? I know the crazy Australian Cedric on his great KZbin channel just goes straight to putting his own edge on all of his own knives before testing. I'm trying to improve my sharpening skills and am afraid of ruining a perfectly good knife, but that said is it best to work through the given edge first or just put your own edge on it straight away?

[@ericasedc]

It depends. I always test the factory edge as well. Because burnt edges are important to test. We can’t just only test the good stuff!

[@firemedic5170]

00:20 in and I’m thinking about the Sage 1 Maxamet I literally just ordered for a crazy good price. LFG!!

[@ericasedc]

You are gonna LOVE IT

[@firemedic5170]

@@ericasedc thank you so much!!!!!! Exactly what I needed to hear ❤️❤️

[@gallowsgradient]

I default to tougher steel these days. I don't keep track but I think I've probably used 3v most over the last year.

[@ericasedc]

Awesome choice. All around crazy good steel!

[@Terrysknivesandmanstuff]

Good information Good video 👍but as for me a good carbon steel blade works just fine for my daily job 👍 🙏🙏🙏

[@ericasedc]

❤❤❤❤cheers🎉

[@willnolan7040]

Now for an even more aggravating question. Do you prefer the native 5 in spy27 or maxamet? Apples and oranges I know but you’ve reviewed both so am curious which I should get

[@ericasedc]

… why are you doing this to me! They are LITERALLY not comparable 😂

[@willnolan7040]

@@ericasedc you’re right, I’m sorry 😔O1 Tool steel or Magnacut????

[@ericasedc]

@@willnolan7040… WHAT!!!!!! I’m not doing this tonight😂 that is like… stupid😂

[@willnolan7040]

@@ericasedc I had to do it to you 🤣 thanks for your content brotha you single handedly have directed all of my money into traditional pocket knives

[@singingtoad]

Thanks for this very in-depth comparison between Maxamet and K390, I learned some things I didn't know about either steel. 👍Although I don't currently own a knife in either steel, yet, I do have a Spyderco Dragonfly 2 in zdp189 and I find it to be a wee bit of a bear to sharpen. I have to use diamond stones to sharpen it. Do own any knives in zdp189 and if so, how does it compare to Maxamet or K390? Anyway, I enjoyed this video very much. Take good care and Cheers!

[@ericasedc]

Oof- yeah ZDP is HARD. K390 is a better bet! Incredible edge retention- but easier to sharpen!

[@singingtoad]

@@ericasedc Thank-you. 😊

[@johnsanford3596]

I love my K390 Spydie. Soon to be SpydieS. I would be over the moon if Spyderco or their Seki partners figured out how to make a K390 core Damascus like their VG10 core Damascus.

[@ericasedc]

Delish!!!

[@ryanyoung3890]

I was doing the laundry thinking, I wonder if Erica has an update about her Maxamet testing? … opens KZbin… boom 💥 here it is!

[@ericasedc]

Just for you!!!!!

[@terrillschneider3778]

A chip a roll a chip a roll a chip kinda made me hungry lol Love you bunches

[@ericasedc]

Ooooh I want those now too😂 Love you mostest T!

[@dheller777]

Which one will rust the quickest?

[@ericasedc]

Maxamet

[@o.k.corral]

Hello Erika 👋😃 Do you find Maxamet or MagnaCut better, and why? Thank you for your kind response 🤗💚

[@ericasedc]

Totally depends on the Magnacut’s HRC. I have better luck edge retention wise with 63-64. But Maxamet always wins!

[@o.k.corral]

@@ericasedc Thank you very much for all 🤗💚

[@clavididk1236]

I love magnacut 💯 i need cruwear or maxamet.

[@ericasedc]

Yes!

[@clavididk1236]

@ericasedc I think my favorite is my sprint run m4 spydercos 🤔 but zdp189 endura is crazy tough. And lc200n is great 👍 👌 but I love my stretch 2 in k390. Next for me is m4 endura, k390 endela and another delica in m4 mint scales. 👌 😎 I want a Smock or yojimbo but got damn they expensive 😩 I'm glad I got my spy 27 manix. But shamen is pretty similar to manix and sage similar to native so I'll go smock or yojimbo for something new 🤔 😎 awesome video 🙌 just got my strop and green compound and that sharpened my tenacious to hair whittle 😆 I use a 400/600 diamond stone and a 2 strop system. First I strop on .1 diamond spray strop than my compound strop and imo works better than a 2 stone system and cheaper 🤷‍♂️

[@clavididk1236]

​@ericasedc got a pm2 cruwear with purple g10 grips my gmas fave color 💜 R.I.P gma 🙌 and also I'm a ravens fan Baltimore to the core so this will be my favorite spydie 💯 💜 I may in the future get a Para 3 in maxamet. Or maybe a 15 v shamen if I can 🙌 🙌

[@diezelvh4133]

Magnacut is low on the edge retention. Pretty tough though.

[@acid6urns]

@@diezelvh4133it’s definitely not low edge retention. it has similar edge retention to s30v/s45vn with MUCH more toughness and basically stain proof. it’s basically 4v but super stainless.

[@mccrimmon574ify]

Is the k390 a delica or stretch

[@ericasedc]

Dellie

[@easymoneyism]

So very cute And so smart… Great job lady!!!!

[@ericasedc]

Thanks!!

[@ait9496]

Ive never bought a EDC knife if you were buying only one knife. Stretch 2 vs sage 1 spyderco

[@ericasedc]

Thanks for watching!

[@diezelvh4133]

Whichever comes in k390.

[@sdriza]

both great knives

[@roaldpinnoy4334]

i like the sign language thingy you do with your fingers - i like k390 better - did that just make me an average user?

[@ericasedc]

Yes

[@roaldpinnoy4334]

hmm… that’s hard…

[@hamiltonstax334]

Maxamet is more eccentric than K390.

[@ericasedc]

Truth😂

[@johnk6453]

I've owned a K390 blade now for several years, and I have only seen it chip. What do you base your statement on that it will roll?

[@ericasedc]

Years of use. Years. Testing. Doing things properly. Sorry you have not had the same experience.

[@johnk6453]

I tried to remove a phillips head screw once w/my Urban. Big mistake.@@ericasedc

[@acid6urns]

⁠@@johnk6453well obviously applying lateral force to a knife edge is going to chip it. that’s your fault not the steel.

[@daveyboy6985]

​@@johnk6453there's always that person who'll use a knife for what it's not designed for😂

[@Joinordie718]

Good explanation Bebe 😊

[@roaldpinnoy4334]

oh - and i don’t use any diamond stuff on k390 - the good old lansky does the trick quickly - no fancy stuff…

[@ericasedc]

You get a brownie

[@roaldpinnoy4334]

i like brownies - thanks .)

[@firemedic5170]

May work for a bit but ceramics will get smoothed and concaved quicker. Diamond stones are absolutely more efficient and stay true for far longer

[@ericasedc]

@@firemedic5170 this guy trolls haha don’t pay him any mind🤣

[@firemedic5170]

@@ericasedc ❤️❤️ thank you, I needed that. Thought I was helping but low and behold another 🍆

[@leatherblades3908]

Pretty sure us knife addicts are the only people that carry bandaids in their wallet.

[@DuhYaThink]

CpmCruwear has a good balance of properties as does magnacut. I chipped a para 3 maxamet taking a staple out of my pay stub 🫣 it sharpened out though 👍🏻

[@ericasedc]

Yikes!